Ja'Kobe Walter Opens Up About Conversation With Kawhi Leonard

The Toronto Raptors made a statement on Tuesday during their preseason faceoff against the defending NBA champion New York Knicks, coming away with a 148-98 blowout victory in front of the Scotiabank Arena-faithful.

Among the Raptors' top performers was guard Ja'Kobe Walter who logged 14 points while going 5-for-8 from the field. While Walter's performance stood out, his eagerness to improve his game in all facets stood out when the 22-year-old engaged in an insightful conversation on the bench with superstar Kawhi Leonard.

"Just trying to pick his brain, the defensive-end especially," Walter said. "Just asked him about how he gets steals, what he sees out there, offensively and defensively, what he works on in the summer. Just those little things."

Leonard made his debut with Toronto that same night and it was clear that the 35-year-old hadn't skipped a beat. He logged 21 points, five rebounds and two steals while also shooting 50% from beyond the arc.

As a result, it is no surprise that Walter would want to learn from someone as skilled and experienced as Leonard. Walter showed early potential last season, averaging 7.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game in 19 games started. 

Meanwhile, Leonard concluded his final season as a Los Angeles Clipper with 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists before being shipped off to the Raptors in a package deal that sent multiple draft picks and players Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick to L.A. 

Given Walter's efficient 3-point shooting and solid court vision, Leonard should flourish once again in Toronto. Walter will also be primed to take a step forward as opposing defenses zero in on Leonard most of the time. 

Compared to the Raptors' matchup on Saturday against Leonard's former team, Walter has already demonstrated improvement after scoring just three points and making only a single shot that night.

Walter had one of his best showings last season during Game 6 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, tallying 24 points and collecting three steals to help the Raptors win it in overtime 112-110.

With Walter still on a rookie contract, his speed and court vision will come in handy against the Knicks and other contenders in the East like the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers who recently snagged star LeBron James in free agency.

Walter and Leonard will have another opportunity to build their chemistry as Toronto and New York meet once again on Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. EDT.